Review Article
Agricultural Wastes: Environmental Impacts of Open Field Burning of Crop Residues - a Review
David Njuguna Githinji,
Rebecca Jepkoech*
,
Benson Dulo,
Rose Ramkat,
John Githaiga,
Lydia Mwazia
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
142-157
Received:
2 June 2026
Accepted:
18 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20261203.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The global increase in population and economic development has intensified pressure on the agricultural sector to increase production of food. In Kenya, the agricultural sector accounts for 20% of Gross Domestic Product with maize, wheat and rice being the most grown food crops. Maize is the most grown staple food and it contributes to 30% of the total agricultural activities, and serves 90% of the population. With large volumes of agricultural products produced, large volumes of agro-wastes are equally generated. Maize residues generated in Kenya vary by county, with the largest maize producing regions such as Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu generating approximately 4.72 MT per acre and lowest producing regions like Makueni generating 0.43 MT per acre. Disposal of crop residues has become a global problem and most agricultural economies have resorted to burning, the most convenient technique of waste management. The practice is most prevalent in India, China and Sub-Saharan Africa. This review presents an overview of burning agricultural wastes as driven by different factors. It also addresses the detrimental effects of burning on health, productivity, economy and environment, delves into the state of residue management in Kenya and associated policies and presents possible alternatives for managing agro-wastes such as composting, biochar production, animal feeds, energy production, paper manufacturing and material development. In Kenya, maize stalk residues are mainly utilized for animal feeds and large volumes are improperly disposed. Therefore, alternative solutions should be enforced including enabling innovation-based solutions.
Abstract: The global increase in population and economic development has intensified pressure on the agricultural sector to increase production of food. In Kenya, the agricultural sector accounts for 20% of Gross Domestic Product with maize, wheat and rice being the most grown food crops. Maize is the most grown staple food and it contributes to 30% of the t...
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